At his meeting with Minister Bojan Kumer and Director-General of the Krško Nuclear Power Plant Gorazd Pfeifer on March 2, Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang stated that nuclear energy and energy infrastructure are top priorities in infrastructure development—one of the three strategic breakthroughs underpinning Viet Nam’s green and sustainable growth.
The Ambassador proposed that Slovenia share its experience in efficient management and operation, safety assurance and environmental protection at the Krško Nuclear Power Plant—regarded as one of the safest and most efficient plants in Europe since it began operations in 1983. He also expressed his wish to enhance cooperation in human resource training and expert exchanges between the two countries in this field.
Minister Bojan Kumer affirmed Slovenia’s readiness to cooperate and share experience in clean and renewable energy, nuclear power development, the green economy and the circular economy, towards the shared goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
On the occasion, Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang visited the Krško Nuclear Power Plant to gain detailed insights into its management and operational model, safety and waste treatment systems, maintenance and infrastructure upgrades, and workforce training.
The Krško Nuclear Power Plant is a joint venture between Slovenia and Croatia. With a capacity of 737 MW, it supplies 35% of Slovenia’s electricity output, employs nearly 700 staff, and has been granted an operating extension until 2043.
The Slovenian Government has also approved plans to build a second nuclear power plant with a projected capacity of up to 2,400 MW.
On the same day, Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang met with Minister Luka Mesec to promote cooperation in labour and vocational training, particularly in areas where Viet Nam has strengths and Slovenia has demand, such as healthcare (doctors, nurses and caregivers), construction, industry and agriculture.
The Ambassador emphasised that Slovenia requires additional high-quality human resources to offset shortages caused by an ageing population, while Viet Nam possesses a young, capable, diligent and adaptable workforce, creating strong complementarity between the two economies.
Minister Luka Mesec agreed with the proposed areas of cooperation and supported the initiative of the Vietnamese Embassy to coordinate the organisation of a Viet Nam–Slovenia Labour and Vocational Training Cooperation Forum in 2026, with a view to studying and considering the signing of a bilateral labour cooperation agreement to establish a legal framework in the near future.
The forum will provide an opportunity for businesses and training institutions of both countries to enhance mutual understanding of Slovenia’s labour needs and Viet Nam’s workforce supply, as well as Slovenia’s vocational training strengths. It is expected to open avenues for cooperation in sectors requiring high skills, professional expertise and adaptability in language and culture.
